Orange Slices

September 18, 2015 {261/365} Orange slices

When I started my Project 365 nearly three years ago, I resolved to take a photo each day of something beautiful, interesting, or meaningful. I've shared hundreds of photos, and over the years, my choices have evolved into mostly images of what I find beautiful. I try to assign meaning by finding inspiring quotes or doing some creative writing, but I seem to have shifted from my original intention. So, today's photo is neither beautiful nor interesting, just profoundly meaningful.

Today is September 18th. Every year on this day, I feel sad and empty like I'm missing a piece of myself. This morning's steady rain seemed to echo the tears in my heart, adding to my melancholy. Nineteen years ago today, we lost my dear dad, and although it feels like forever since I've seen the twinkle in his blue eyes or heard him whistling in the garage, it still feels hard to believe that he's gone. 

This afternoon, one of my colleagues offered me an orange slice -- those sugary candies that we used to share on road trips or while bobbing on the lake, waiting for the fish to bite. And suddenly, Dad was here and I remembered that he always will be. 

Change

September 15, 2015 {258/365} Changing

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." - JFK

Although autumn doesn't officially arrive for another week, there are subtle signs of change in the air: Days are shorter, nights are cool and damp, fields are turning golden, and if you look carefully, you'll catch brilliant glimpses of changing leaves. I always look forward to the shift from languid summer to brisk autumn.  Although it has become almost cliché, here's my list of fall favorites: walking through the woods -- the smell and sound of dried leaves beneath my feet, bundling up in sweaters and scarves, warm tights and comfy boots (I feel more "me" at this time of year), Packers football, cozy fires, lovely soft yarns for knitting projects, steaming cups of coffee, tea, or cider, bold red wines, carving pumpkins and roasting the seeds. This year, there is also the prospect of even bigger changes...stay tuned!